Noisy Neighbors Forced New Wave To Close
I signed the lease in March 2020 for the 1406 S. 13th Street upstairs space that had a front area for a creative studio type of space, and a back area for an apartment. The unit was zoned as “live-work” so I was able to do both there.
Fast forward, a dive bar went into the street level space (below me) that blasted music 7 days a week, until 2am. They often had karaoke nights and the crowd started to get dodgier. At one point, someone broke while I was sleeping and at another point, someone stole items from my patio. Two of my airbnb guests had their cars broke into.
All around, it was such a bummer that such a beautiful, positive space had to close because of circumstances far out of my control. I tried talking to the building owners on many occasions (by phone, email, in-person) and was ultimately ignored. I eventually realized it would never be worth investing to stay there. The building is 100+ years old and would need a massive renovation to even slightly sound proof the upstairs space from the bar.
Since my lease was finally going to expire in July 2024, I spent May and June preparing to leave. I cancelled all airbnb bookings, painted over all my murals, cleaned, had a huge moving sale, put the rest of my furniture into a storage unit, and started trying to emotionally accept that this chapter was coming to an end.
As I write this a year later, in June 2025, I am still sad about it. I loved that place. It was my home, my creative space, and a community hot spot. To my knowledge, the space is still for lease which is really validating because it’s a beautiful unit and in a great location, but the sound completely ruins it.
Because it has taken me so long to emotionally grieve all of that, I have completely put a pause on anything related to New Wave. I still have the web domains, the social media accounts, the business registered, the airbnb account, and a big love for the brand. However, I just haven’t been able to fully come to terms with what the next iteration of New Wave could look like. I know it will “never be the same” so I struggle to decide what iteration could do it justice, or what path I want to take it. To be determined… <3
On a positive note, I have poured more effort into my secondhand store, 1404 Collective (located right next door), my freelance clients, my social media, travels, friendships, and family. New Wave will come back someday.